While few would disagree that canoeing is an important activity in northern
Ontario, the reality is that resource managers have little information about
paddlers. As a long-time paddler currently doing my graduate studies at
Simon Fraser University's School of Resource and Environmental Management,
I'm inviting subscribers to rec.boats.paddle to participate in an online
survey in order to address this problem.

This study will inform decision makers about the preferences and experiences
of current and potential northern Ontario paddlers. In particular, it
focuses on paddlers' preferences for several natural features and human uses
of the Boreal landscape.

We want to hear from you whether you are an instructor or a student, an avid
paddler or a casual one. If you have ever paddled in Northern Ontario or
other boreal regions of Canada, or if you would be interested in paddling in
these areas, this survey is for you! The questionnaire takes 15 to 30
minutes to complete (depending on your connection speed) and requires no
special knowledge. You do not need to reveal your identity, and your answers
will be treated confidentially in accordance with Simon Fraser University's
Research Ethics Policy.

As an added incentive, if you complete the survey, you will be eligible to
win one of the following prizes:
- a free stay at Wabakimi Wilderness Eco-Lodge and B&B (5 Prizes Available)
including:
a.. 1 night accomodation for 2 people
b.. breakfast
c.. use of canoes and kayaks while at the lodge
d.. total value of the package: $130

- a $50 CDN gift certificate to Mountain Equipment Co-op (2 Prizes
Available)

Your response is very important to us. Because paddlers are highly
dispersed, we are unable to contact most of them directly. As a result, our
sample size is quite small and your opinion counts!

The survey can be reached at: http://www.sfu.ca/~abb/NOntarioCanoeSurvey.htm

We hope that you will participate in this study. If you are able to help us
distribute this survey, or have any additional comments or questions, please
do not hesitate to contact me ) or the project's
supervisor, Dr. Wolfgang Haider ; 604-291-3066.)

Results of this study can be obtained this Fall by contacting Ben Beardmore
).

This research is being conducted by the School of Resource and Environmental
Management at Simon Fraser University with support from the Ontario Ministry
of Natural Resources, Wabakimi Canoe Outfitters and Ecolodge, the Canadian
Recreational Canoe Association and the Ontario Recreational Canoe
Association. It is hoped that this information will be used to better
include paddlers' perspectives when decision makers and stakeholders develop
land use and forest management plans.

Happy paddling,

Ben Beardmore
Masters Candidate
School of Resource and Environmental Management
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby, BC V5A1S6